Google Updates Vacation Rental Structured Data Guidelines

Google recently made updates to its structured data documentation for vacation rentals, now requiring more specific data. This update is more of a clarification than a change in requirements. Interestingly, this change was implemented without any formal announcement or notation in the developer pages changelog.

Vacation Rentals Structured Data

Having specific structured data types for vacation rentals can make the rental information eligible for special rich results tailored to this type of accommodation. However, not all websites have access to this feature. In order to be eligible, vacation rental owners need to be connected to a Google Technical Account Manager and have access to the Google Hotel Center platform.

VacationRental Structured Data Type Definitions

The main revisions were focused on the definitions of property types in structured data, where Google specifies the required and suggested types of properties.

These revisions are found in the section that covers Recommended properties in the documentation. They aim to clarify the recommendations provided by Google, rather than altering the requirements set by the company.

The structured data type definitions underwent primary changes by Google. These changes specifically focused on defining the required and recommended property types.

The modifications to the documentation can be found in the section that covers Recommended properties. This update clarifies the recommendations provided by Google, without altering the actual requirements set by the company.

Address Schema.org property

This is a subtle change but it’s important because it now represents a recommendation that requires more precise data.

This is what was recommended before:

“streetAddress”: “1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy.”

This is what it now recommends:

“streetAddress”: “1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Unit 6E”

Address Property Change Description

The most substantial change is to the description of what the “address” property is, becoming more descriptive and precise about what is recommended.

The description before the change:

PostalAddress

Information about the street address of the listing. Include all properties that apply to your country.

The description after the change:

PostalAddress

The full, physical location of the vacation rental.

Please provide the street address, city, state or region, and postal code for the vacation rental. If applicable, include the unit or apartment number. Please note that P.O. boxes or other mailing-only addresses are not considered full, physical addresses.

This is repeated in the section for address.streetAddress property

This is what it recommended before:

address.streetAddress Text

The full street address of your vacation listing.

And this is what it recommends now:

address.streetAddress Text

The full street address of your vacation listing, including the unit or apartment number if applicable.

Clarification And Not A Change

The updated structured data guidance provides clearer instructions on what is recommended by Google. Although these updates do not signify a change in Google's guidance, they are still significant in reducing ambiguity and offering clearer guidance.

Vacation rental (VacationRental) structured data

Featured Image by Shutterstock/New Africa

Editor's P/S:

Personal Perspective:

The recent updates to Google's structured data documentation for vacation rentals are a welcome clarification and improvement. The more specific requirements for property types and address information will help ensure that vacation rental information is displayed accurately and prominently in search results. This is a positive development for both vacation rental owners and potential guests.

Additional Information:

It's important to note that the changes discussed in the article are primarily clarifications of existing recommendations rather than new requirements. Google has not formally announced these updates, so they may not be reflected in the changelog for their developer pages. However, these clarifications provide valuable guidance to vacation rental owners who want to optimize their listings for visibility in search results. By following the updated recommendations, owners can increase the likelihood that their rental properties will be eligible for special rich results tailored specifically to vacation rentals.